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7 Eel Sauce Substitutes You Can Count On

Eel sauce brings a rich, sweet-savory hit of umami to sushi rolls, grilled dishes, and even stir-fries.

Made from soy sauce, sugar, and mirin (a sweet rice wine), it’s a staple in Japanese cuisine that adds depth and a lush glaze to whatever it touches.

But sometimes, as delicious as it is, it’s just not within reach—or maybe you’re switching things up to work around dietary needs or ingredients on hand.

The great news? There are plenty of options to nail that balance of sweetness, saltiness, and umami. Whether you’re looking for traditional swaps or a quick pantry fix, you’ve got choices.

Grab your gear, and let’s explore alternatives to eel sauce that will keep your dishes as tasty as you imagined.

7 Dependable Alternatives for Eel Sauce

From DIY blends to creative uses of existing condiments, these swaps are packed with flavor. Feel free to tweak the ratios and seasoning to suit your specific recipe!

1. Teriyaki Sauce – A Crowd-Pleasing Alternative

Teriyaki sauce is often the go-to substitute for eel sauce because of its similar combination of sweet and salty flavors. It’s typically thicker and slightly less complex but works wonderfully with sushi, rice bowls, or as a glaze for proteins and veggies.

Use a 1-to-1 ratio when replacing eel sauce with teriyaki sauce. For extra authenticity, stir in a splash of mirin or rice vinegar to mimic that slight tang in eel sauce.

Looking for more creative swaps? Take a look at teriyaki sauce substitutes to expand your flavor game.

2. Soy Sauce and Honey – The Simple Duo

If you’ve got soy sauce and honey in your pantry, you’re already halfway toward a convincing eel sauce alternative. This combo replicates the salty-sweet balance, and you can tweak the proportions based on your taste. Add a splash of rice vinegar to enhance the flavor further.

Mix 2 parts soy sauce with 1 part honey, and simmer it gently over low heat until it thickens. Use this replacement for eel sauce in sushi rolls, grilled fish, or stir-fries.

Dive deeper into dressing up soy sauce techniques at soy sauce substitutes for even more inspiration.

3. Hoisin Sauce with Soy Sauce – A Flavor-Packed Substitute

Hoisin sauce works well as a base for crafting an eel sauce alternative because of its thick, tangy-sweet profile. Combining it with soy sauce helps tone down some of its over-the-top sweetness and gives you a balanced glaze.

Combine 3 parts hoisin sauce with 1 part soy sauce. If it feels too overpowering, adjust with a touch of water or rice vinegar. This combination is fantastic as a glaze for grilled meats, veggies, or even noodles.

Want more hoisin alternatives? Check out hoisin sauce substitutes for additional ideas.

4. Oyster Sauce – Rich and Umami-Packed

Oyster sauce delivers a hearty depth of flavor that works as a stand-in for eel sauce, especially in savory dishes. It has a thicker consistency and leans more on the salty side, so you might want to balance it with some sugar or honey to get closer to eel sauce.

Use 2 parts oyster sauce mixed with 1 part sugar or honey. This mixture does particularly well in stir-fries or as a marinade for proteins.

For more swaps in a pinch, explore oyster sauce substitutes to keep the flavors coming.

5. Tamari and Maple Syrup – A Gluten-Free Option

Tamari, a soy-sauce alternative that’s gluten-free, pairs beautifully with maple syrup to create a flavorful eel sauce substitute. Maple syrup adds complexity to the sweetness, giving the sauce a rich umami depth that plays well with sushi, stir-fries, or grilled proteins.

Mix 2 parts tamari with 1 part maple syrup and simmer until it thickens slightly. Looking for a little tang? Add a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of ginger for extra zing.

For more creative adaptations, peek at maple syrup substitutes to change up the sweetness factor.

6. Ponzu Sauce – A Citrusy Twist

Ponzu sauce, which combines soy sauce and citrus, adds a bright, tangy note to dishes. While it lacks the sweetness of eel sauce, you can fix that by stirring in a bit of sugar or honey. Its lighter and fresher flavor works wonderfully in sushi, as a marinade, or a glaze for fish or chicken.

Use it in equal measure, then tweak by adding 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey for every ¼ cup of ponzu. For a thicker consistency, simmer it down slightly.

Find even more adaptable swaps at ponzu sauce substitutes to play with more citrusy ideas.

7. Worcestershire Sauce with Sugar – The Unexpected Fix

When traditional Japanese sauces aren’t an option, Worcestershire sauce can come to the rescue. Its tangy, savory profile might not scream “eel sauce,” but with the right touch of sweetness, it gets the job done.

Mix equal parts Worcestershire sauce and sugar, and heat gently until the sugar dissolves. If you want a thicker texture, simmer longer until it reduces slightly. This option is great for glazing grilled dishes or adding that extra kick to stir-fries.

Craving more ideas? Browse through Worcestershire sauce substitutes for more surprising options.

No eel sauce? No problem. These substitutes offer all the sweet, salty, and savory notes you’re after, keeping your dish as flavorful as you imagined. A simple swap can make all the difference, and who knows—it might just lead you to a new favorite sauce!